ISWAP Terrorists Overrun Military Base in Borno During Night Raid, Many Soldiers Feared Killed

Several soldiers were killed and others injured after suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a Nigerian Army base in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State on Wednesday night.

Security sources cited by Sahara Reporters said that the attackers stormed the military formation in a coordinated night assault, forcing troops stationed at the base to withdraw.

The exact number of casualties has not been confirmed, but sources said multiple soldiers were killed during the attack. Others sustained injuries, including the commanding officer of the camp, Lieutenant Colonel Manu.

According to the sources, the insurgents arrived in more than 10 gun trucks and overwhelmed the base during the operation.

One source said the attackers also carted away military operational vehicles, weapons and ammunition after taking control of the facility.

Magumeri, located about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri, has remained one of the areas repeatedly targeted by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the ongoing insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.

The attacked base is considered a strategic military outpost in counterinsurgency operations across parts of Borno State.

The latest incident adds to a series of deadly attacks on military formations in the region in recent months.

In April, insurgents killed more than 10 soldiers, including Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commander of Sector 3 under Operation Hadin Kai, during an attack in the Monguno area.

Earlier in March, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq and several troops were killed after insurgents overran a military base in Kukawa Local Government Area.

Another commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu of the 222nd Battalion, was also killed during coordinated attacks in the state on March 6.

Days earlier, insurgents attacked a military formation in Mayenti, Bama Local Government Area, killing commanding officer Umar Ibrahim Mairiga and several soldiers.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have continued to carry out attacks across northeastern Nigeria despite repeated claims by the military that insurgents have been significantly weakened.

The insurgency, which has lasted more than a decade, has led to thousands of deaths and displaced millions of residents across the region.