Thousands Flee Kirawa in Borno as Boko Haram Occupies Town

Thousands of residents from Kirawa, a border town in Borno State, have fled into neighbouring Cameroon after Boko Haram militants overran the town and burned homes and a military base. According to local sources, more than 5,000 people crossed the border to seek safety as fighters stormed the community, set fire to houses and a barracks, and left the area without any government troops to protect civilians. Some displaced residents have also reached Maiduguri to seek assistance.

Witnesses said the armed group arrived in Kirawa under the cover of darkness and quickly took control, prompting villagers to run for their lives. Those who escaped reported that the insurgents destroyed property and blocked roads, leaving many stranded. Humanitarian groups and community leaders are calling for rapid aid and increased security in border regions to prevent further violence and displacement.