The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility for an attack on what it described as the “Red Cross headquarters” in Monguno, Borno State.
However, military sources have refuted this claim, clarifying that the attacked facility belonged to a non-governmental organization (NGO) but was not affiliated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
According to a statement, ISWAP militants stormed the office complex on Wednesday, abducting two staff members and demanding a ransom of N50 million for their release.
The assailants also set fire to several buildings and destroyed Nigerian military operational vehicles during the assault, which lasted over two hours.
The attack is part of ISWAP’s continued expansion following the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.
Since Shekau’s demise, the group has strengthened its presence in areas surrounding Lake Chad, attracting former Boko Haram fighters into its ranks.
Despite repeated claims by the Nigerian Army that insurgency has been largely contained, terrorist activities in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states persist, contributing to over 100,000 deaths and displacing millions of people.
