Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a military formation in Mairari community, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, raising fears of casualties among troops and the attackers.

The attack, which reportedly occurred around midnight on Tuesday, lasted for more than two hours, according to local sources familiar with the incident.

Although the exact number of casualties remained unclear as of Wednesday, reports indicated that some soldiers may have been killed during the prolonged exchange of gunfire.

Umar Sheriff, Chairman of Guzamala Local Government Area, confirmed the attack to journalists on Wednesday, saying the terrorists specifically targeted the military post and that there were no reported civilian casualties.

Sheriff, however, declined to provide casualty figures, explaining that information about the incident was still emerging and that some details remained sensitive because of the security implications.

“The incident occurred last night around 12 am. Though I don’t have statistics regarding the casualties yet, because it’s not everything we are told. It’s a security matter. But I know that no civilian was killed,” he said.

The local government chairman described the assault as a major attack, noting that Mairari and its surrounding communities had not experienced an incident of similar magnitude in recent times.

He said troops were able to repel the attackers, preventing them from overrunning the military position.

“They have never attacked as much as this time, but thank God, the military were able to repel them,” Sheriff said.

His account suggests that the military maintained its position despite the intensity of the assault, although the extent of the damage to the formation and the number of casualties among security personnel could not be independently established.

The attack has nevertheless heightened concerns among residents, with local sources describing an atmosphere of tension following the assault.

One source, who requested anonymity, said reports circulating in the community suggested that seven soldiers might have been killed.

The source, however, stressed that the figure had not been verified.

“I know there are military casualties. It was rumoured that seven soldiers were killed, but no one could verify that yet,” the source said.

Another source said the intensity of the gunfire suggested that the attackers may also have suffered casualties during the confrontation.

“That attack left the entire town in tension. With the gunfire yesterday, there is no way that the terrorists will not suffer casualties. Both local forces and the military stood their ground,” the source said.

Sheriff said the situation had returned to normal following the confrontation, adding that he planned to visit Mairari on Thursday morning to assess the situation and obtain a clearer picture of the incident.

“The situation is calm. I will be there tomorrow morning (Thursday) to evaluate the situation,” he said.