Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a police station in Malari, Borno State, in the early hours of Wednesday, but were repelled by security forces.

Local security sources told The PUNCH that the insurgents launched the attack at about 1:00 am but were overpowered by a combined team of police officers and soldiers.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the assailants attempted to infiltrate the police station but were forced to retreat after a fierce gun battle.

?Yes, there was an attack on Malari Police Station, but no casualty was recorded. The officers on duty, in collaboration with the military, repelled the insurgents and prevented them from entering the town,? Daso said.

He noted that the terrorists targeted a police Armoured Personnel Carrier during the attack, damaging its tyres but failing to destroy the vehicle.

?So far, no bodies have been recovered, but we are certain there were casualties on the side of the insurgents,? he added.

Daso assured residents of the police force?s readiness to prevent future attacks, stating that Malari had previously been without civil authority but had seen improved security since the deployment of a police crack team.

Meanwhile, some residents expressed concern that the insurgents might regroup and target civilians.

?We are scared they may return. We appreciate the efforts of our security forces and urge them to strengthen security measures,? a local source told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity.

The attack comes weeks after Boko Haram militants raided Nganzai Police Division in Borno killing two police officers.

The Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, commended the officers for their resilience and extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers. (The PUNCH)

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