Askira

Askira is a town in southern Borno State and the headquarters of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, which borders Gwoza to the southeast, Damboa to the east, Biu and Hawul to the north, Chibok to the west, and Adamawa State to the south. The LGA is linguistically diverse: Marghi is the most widely spoken language, followed by Hausa, Fulfulde, Cibak (Chibok), Mafa, Kamwe, and Kanuri. Lassa, a village within the LGA, is the place for which the Lassa virus is named, after it was first identified there in the blood of an ill missionary in 1969.

The area was affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, including a February 2015 attack in which militants overran the town, burned homes, and displaced thousands of residents. Travellers should verify current security conditions before visiting.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Maiduguri International Airport (MIU), about 150 km north.

By Car / Road

Askira is accessible from Biu and Maiduguri.

Motorcycle taxis are available.

• Askira Market — a local market

Local staples based on the area's grain and groundnut farming.

Water and soft drinks.

Basic guesthouses.

The market sells agricultural produce.

• Biu — 30 mins north
• Maiduguri — 2.5 hrs north