Boko Haram Fear Forces Borno Villagers to Sleep on Cameroon Streets After Troop Withdrawal

Hundreds of residents of Kirawa in Borno State have fled their homes following a Boko Haram attack, seeking refuge across the border in Cameroon. The displaced villagers said they now spend their days in Nigeria but cross into Cameroon at night to sleep, fearing further assaults after troops reportedly withdrew from the area.

The District Head of Kirawa, Abdulrahman Abubakar, confirmed the mass displacement, calling for urgent government intervention to restore security and resettle the community. Residents recounted enduring harsh and unsafe conditions in Cameroon, sleeping on roads, in mosques, and classrooms, with many exposed to heavy rains.

Buba Aji, a displaced resident, appealed for the immediate return of troops, noting that the Cameroonian Joint Task Force, which had been providing security, has also withdrawn. He stressed that thousands were now in distress, lacking shelter and basic assistance. Another villager, Atahiru Lawan, estimated that up to 90% of Kirawa’s population had crossed into Cameroon.

The situation has sparked controversy after the Nigerian military claimed the attack targeted a Cameroonian base, not Nigerian troops. Local leaders and witnesses disputed this, stating that no Nigerian soldiers were stationed in Kirawa and that residents relied entirely on Cameroonian forces for protection.

Eyewitnesses detailed the assault, describing hours of gunfire, the burning of the district head’s house and nearby shops, and the abduction of a schoolgirl, Aisha Muhammad Aja. Residents criticised the focus on semantics over security, warning that the withdrawal of Cameroonian troops leaves the town vulnerable to renewed insurgent attacks.

Special Adviser on Security to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Gen. Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), said the government is aware of the situation and assured that action will be taken.