‘Abuja Will Be Next’ — Terror Group Boasts After Deadly Ngoshe Raid

A group of armed men has claimed responsibility for the deadly assault on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, where scores of soldiers and civilians were reportedly killed and more than 300 residents abducted on Wednesday night.

The attackers were said to have overrun and set ablaze a military base in the community before opening fire indiscriminately and burning houses and shops.

In a video made public on Friday morning, five members of the group appeared on camera, declaring their intention to seize and control the community. They also vowed to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr at the central mosque in Ngoshe.

One of the men, who spoke in Hausa on behalf of the group, claimed that the attackers had carried out brutal killings during the invasion.

“In the name of Allah, the most merciful and most beneficial. We thank God Almighty for helping us succeed in our mission in Ngoshe. Today we are inside the central mosque in Ngoshe,” he said.

He added that despite claims by residents that the town could not be taken over, the group had already captured it.

“People in this town said we could not conquer Ngoshe. With the help of God, we have conquered the town. By the grace of God, we will remain here, make Ngoshe part of our province, and perform the Eid-el-Fitr prayers here after Ramadan,” he stated.

The speaker further alleged that many residents had been abducted, claiming they would be taken as captives.

He also warned that the group intended to expand its operations beyond Ngoshe, mentioning Maiduguri and Abuja as possible future targets.

Videos purportedly recorded at the scene were also released by the attackers, showing the aftermath of the assault and acts of violence carried out during the attack.