False ISWAP alarm triggers gunfire by forest guards in Yobe

Members of the Forest Guards in Katarko community, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, reportedly opened sporadic fire after a false alarm about the movement of suspected ISWAP fighters towards the town.

Security sources said the incident occurred around 6:55 pm on June 23 when the guards believed suspected terrorists were approaching on motorcycles.

According to Zagazola Makama on X, troops from the 198 Special Forces Battalion responded after receiving reports of the shooting.

“On arrival, the troops discovered that the shooting had been triggered by a false alarm over an unconfirmed number of suspected ISWAP terrorists allegedly approaching the town on motorcycles,” the sources said.

The troops were said to have brought the situation under control and disarmed some of the agitated guards to prevent further indiscriminate firing.

A total of 191 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were reportedly fired during the incident.

The sources added that no casualties or property damage were recorded, while normalcy has since been restored to the community.