More than 5,000 residents have fled into Cameroon after Boko Haram militants overran the Nigerian border town of Kirawa in Borno State, according to local officials and humanitarian workers.

Witnesses said the insurgents stormed the town late Friday, setting fire to the district head’s palace and a nearby military barracks. Nigerian troops reportedly withdrew after fierce clashes, leaving civilians with little choice but to escape across the border.

Displaced residents described scenes of panic as militants looted shops and homes before torching parts of the community. Humanitarian groups say most of the evacuees, including women and children, are now sheltering in makeshift camps in Cameroon’s Far North region.

The attack underscores Boko Haram’s continued ability to strike along Nigeria’s porous northeast frontier despite years of military operations. Analysts warn the assault could further destabilize border communities and intensify pressure on regional forces already stretched by multiple security crises.

Borno State authorities said plans are under way to coordinate with Cameroonian officials and aid agencies to assist the displaced, while Nigeria’s military vowed to launch a counter-offensive to retake Kirawa.

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