Boko Haram Seizes Kirawa, Displaces Over 5,000

Boko Haram fighters seized the border town of Kirawa in Borno State, burning the district head’s palace, a military barracks and dozens of homes. The group claimed responsibility in a video showing fighters torching the barracks while chanting "victory belongs to God," and locals describe Kirawa as effectively deserted. More than 5,000 residents were displaced; roughly 3,000 crossed into Cameroon (gathering at Kerawa/Cameroon Sabon Kasuwa) while others sought shelter in Pulka, Gwoza and Maiduguri. Refugees report dire conditions, and a Cameroon-based group, the Kerawa Gemini Youth Forum, has been providing food and N10,000 per family. Local leaders and Borno Governor Babagana Zulum have urged urgent troop deployments to secure border communities. The assault is part of a wider uptick in 2024 jihadist violence, during which Boko Haram and ISWAP have overrun multiple military bases, prompting renewed calls for a permanent brigade and stronger border security.