Four killed as ‘Boko Haram members infiltrate’ protest in Borno

Four people have been reportedly killed after suspected Boko Haram members infiltrated a protest over the rising cost of living in Borno state.

Thirty-four people also sustained injuries in the incident.

In a statement on Thursday, Farouq Lawal, commissioner of police in Borno, said the commander of the explosive ordnance device (EOD), Base 13, was “swiftly” deployed to the scene.

“Boko Haram militants infiltrated a protest, killing four individuals and injuring 34 others,” Lawal said.

“The injured and deceased were transported to Specialist Hospital Maiduguri for medical attention and autopsy.

“The protest, which involved minors, primarily almajiris aged 9–15, escalated into violence. Protesters took over the Maiduguri-Kano road at the Mala Kachalla Roundabout, linking the Borno Express Flyover.

“Despite police attempts to disperse the crowd peacefully, the situation turned riotous, with protesters breaking through police barriers, throwing stones, and advancing towards the city centre.

“Rioters spread to other areas of Maiduguri Municipal, targeting the Borno State Mechanical Workshop along Baga Road.

“They looted vocational skills acquisition equipment and vandalised five vehicles belonging to the Borno State Transport Management Agency (BOTMA).”

The commissioner said 14 suspects have been arrested and are under investigation by the criminal investigation department of the command.

Lawal said “normalcy has returned” to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno.