Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have launched coordinated attacks across five communities in Borno and Yobe States.
The affected areas include Mafa, Dikwa, Marte, and Ajiri in Borno, as well as Katarko in Yobe.
Sources confirmed that the insurgents first attacked a military checkpoint in Mafa late Wednesday night, engaging security forces in a fierce gun battle.
“They looted arms and ammunition and also seized new motorcycles meant for operations in remote areas,” a security source said.
“Their numbers were overwhelming, and the attack was well coordinated.”
Although the military has not confirmed any casualties among its troops, a top security officer said several terrorists were killed during the encounter.
“They came in large numbers and fought hard, but many of them were neutralized,” the source added.
Residents said the attackers stormed the area around 11 p.m., firing sporadically at commuters waiting at the military gate.
A local trader, who narrowly escaped, said the terrorists looted food items and burnt down several transport vehicles.
“It was terrifying. They came with about four gun trucks and over 100 motorcycles,” he said.
“They took our foodstuffs and goods meant for Gambarou and other towns. Thankfully, no civilian deaths have been reported yet.”
Similar attacks were reported in Dikwa, Marte, and Ajiri, where the militants allegedly targeted security formations and civilian structures.
In Katarko, Yobe State, residents confirmed that gunmen invaded the area, firing into the air to scare villagers before looting shops.
Security forces have since launched a counter-operation in the affected zones.
A reinforcement team from Maiduguri reportedly moved into Marte and Mafa to secure the region and pursue the fleeing attackers.
Military sources said the offensive is ongoing, with air surveillance tracking the movement of insurgents believed to be regrouping around the Lake Chad axis.
While details of casualties remain sketchy, authorities are expected to release an official statement after the mop-up operation.