Tragic Loss: Soldiers Killed in Latest Boko Haram Attack on Borno Military Base MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

Nigeria’s northeast has once again resulted in tragedy, with multiple Nigerian soldiers killed and others sustaining injuries following a coordinated attack by Boko Haram insurgents on a military base in Borno State.

The late Thursday assault, which occurred in the Ngamdu area, underscores the persistent and deadly threat posed by extremist groups in the region, including Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Details of the Insurgent Attack
Sources indicate the attackers launched a fierce assault on a military formation, utilizing a combination of rocket-propelled grenades, armed drones, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The use of sophisticated weaponry, particularly the deployment of armed drones, highlights the evolving and dangerous tactics of the terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin.

Despite the intensity of the initial attack, which involved overwhelming firepower, Nigerian troops successfully repelled the insurgents with the aid of reinforcements. The military confirmed that at least four soldiers were killed and five others wounded in the skirmish, a tragic reminder of the sacrifice made by the armed forces. Furthermore, several Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and gun trucks were reportedly damaged during the intense firefight.

Counter-Terrorism Operations and Clearance
Following the repelled assault, the military reported killing a significant number of the attackers—at least 15 insurgents were neutralized. A critical subsequent operation involved military engineers clearing multiple IEDs planted by the terrorists along the strategic Ngamdu–Damaturu main supply route. This clearance action was crucial, as the IEDs had temporarily halted movement on the vital road, posing a direct threat to both military logistics and civilian traffic.

Persistent Insurgency Threat

This attack is the latest in a troubling series of military base assaults this year across Borno State, the epicenter of the long-running insurgency. The conflict, which has been active for over a decade, continues to cause massive displacement and claim thousands of lives. The recent uptick in sophisticated attacks by jihadist fighters against security formations raises serious questions about the overall effectiveness of counter-insurgency strategies and the need for continued international and regional support to tackle the multifaceted security crisis.