Gunmen attacked the border town of Banki in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, forcing soldiers to flee their positions and allowing the attackers to seize weapons and ammunition from a military barracks.
According to an internal security report, the assault began on Thursday evening and lasted until Friday morning, with the attackers overrunning the town and storming military facilities.
Reports indicate that the commander and his troops fled toward Cameroon, leaving civilians without protection.
A soldier from the battalion stationed in Banki confirmed that the raid involved a large number of gunmen and heavy gunfire, forcing security forces to withdraw.
A resident reported at least seven deaths, including three soldiers.
Banki was previously captured by Boko Haram about a decade ago. The region remains under frequent attack from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), while the Nigerian army continues operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks.
