BY USMAN MOHAMMED, FEBRUARY 24, 2026, 5:12 PM
Residents of Kukawa Local Government Area in Borno State have celebrated the Nigerian military following the successful repulsion of a deadly attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents on the town.
The attack occurred late on Friday as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered in Kukawa for the party’s ward and local government congresses.
According to sources, the insurgents stormed the town in large numbers, launching coordinated assaults from multiple directions.
Hon. Karta Maina Ma’aji Lawan, member representing Kukawa at the Borno State House of Assembly, was among top officials present in the town at the time of the attack.
He had led a delegation that included the Chairman of Kukawa Local Government Area Hon. Mustapha Mohammed Kukawa.
Speaking to our correspondent via telephone, the lawmaker praised the courage and leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, the Commanding Officer of the 101 Brigade, and his troops for averting what he described as a potentially devastating assault.
'We celebrate Farouq for his bravery, not for politics,' Lawan said. 'It was his courage and the gallant efforts of his men that countered what could have been a very devastating attack.
'They did not only defend the town but pursued the terrorists until they retreated and abandoned their mission,' he said.
A councillor representing Yoyo Ward, Kellu Yaraye, also commended the military officer and his team, stating that the confrontation lasted nearly three hours.
'His bravery and leadership prevented what could have been a devastating outcome,' she said.
'There were hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians who witnessed his efforts and openly hailed him in appreciation for defending their lives and property. Their cheers were a spontaneous expression of relief and gratitude.'
Yaraye dismissed claims suggesting that the celebration of the military officer had political undertones.
'I see absolutely no negative implication in raising his hand. It was not a political or controversial gesture; rather, it symbolised victory, reassurance, and a message to the people that the town was safe again,' she added.
A community source, who participated in the defence efforts, disclosed that more than 200 insurgents attacked the town at about 11:40 PM. firing sporadically with sophisticated weapons.
'The battle began around 11:40 PM when the terrorists started shooting sporadically, but the military, led by Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, responded with superior firepower and defended the entire community,' the source said.
He added that the presence of key political figures in the town at the time could have made the situation more tragic if not for the swift military response.
'If not for the bravery of the Commanding Officer, it could have been a very deadly attack on our people and our politicians, including our member of the State House of Assembly and the local government chairman who were in town,' the source stated.
Normalcy has since returned to Kukawa, with residents expressing relief and appreciation to the military for safeguarding lives and property.
Conflict Reporting is dangerous and risky. Our reporters constantly face life-threatening challenges, sometimes surviving ambushes, kidnap attempts and attacks by the whiskers as they travel and go into communities to get authentic and firsthand information. But we dare it every day, nonetheless, in order to keep you informed of the true situation of the victims, the trends in the conflicts and ultimately help in peace building processes. But these come at huge cost to us. We are therefore appealing to you to help our cause by donating to us through any of the following means. You can also donate working tools, which are even more primary to our work. We thank you sincerely as you help our cause.
Alternatively, you can also email us on
info@yen.ng or message us
via +234 803 931 7767
