Boko Haram Attacks Borno Military Base, Many Soldiers Feared Dead

Boko Haram insurgents reportedly attacked a military base in Sabon Gari, located in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on Monday, leaving an unconfirmed number of soldiers feared dead.

The attack occurred in the evening when insurgents launched a surprise assault on the military formation, firing sporadically, resulting in multiple casualties, including fatalities and critical injuries.

While full details of the attack remain limited, a local resident, Abba Usman, shared additional insight, mentioning that military reinforcements en route to the scene inadvertently triggered a landmine explosion, which caused injuries and potentially more deaths.

“I don’t have much information, but I can confirm that soldiers were killed in the attack. We also heard that soldiers rushing to the base for reinforcement stepped on something like a bomb, and it exploded,” Usman said.

A military source also corroborated the attack but declined to provide a specific death toll, stating, “There was an attack, many soldiers were killed, but the figure is currently unknown.”

When reached for comment, Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina, spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, responded via text, saying, “Please, I am out of station, and Sabon Gari is under Sector 2.”

However, Usman Tar, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, confirmed the incident, clarifying that it involved an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) rather than an attack. He stated, “I can confirm there was an IED incident in Wajiroko (under Damboa). What happened was our soldiers stepped on an IED. We lost one soldier, and another was injured. It wasn’t an attack, it was an IED.”

In response to growing security concerns, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on military commanders and leaders across the country to collaborate more closely with local stakeholders to better address Nigeria’s security challenges. He made this statement during the opening of the First Senior Command and Leadership Seminar in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday.

Oluyede emphasized the need for collaboration with other security agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions to combat terrorism and criminal activities effectively. He stressed the importance of fostering teamwork and mutual respect to ensure long-term stability and success in counterterrorism efforts.

Represented by the Chief of Training, Army, Maj. Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Ndalolo, Oluyede urged the commanders to adjust their strategies in response to evolving threats and engage in meaningful exchanges during the seminar.

“These stakeholders are vital in addressing the security issues in your areas. It is crucial to apply situational awareness and communication strategies when engaging with these groups to foster mutual respect and build strong teams,” he said.

The seminar aims to equip the Army’s top commanders with the skills necessary to navigate Nigeria’s increasingly complex security environment.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, represented by Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe, commended the Nigerian Army for organizing the seminar, highlighting its significance in enhancing leadership and operational skills.

Maj. Gen. Hilary Nzan, Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command, also acknowledged the importance of the seminar, underscoring the need for innovation and strategic thinking to transform the Nigerian Army’s operations.