HomeHeadlinenews#20 Nigerian Soldiers Killed in Prolonged Terrorist Siege on Military Base

#20 Nigerian Soldiers Killed in Prolonged Terrorist Siege on Military Base

At least 20 soldiers, including a commanding lieutenant colonel, were killed on Friday during a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army’s 149 Battalion in Mallam Fatori, Borno State. The attack, which lasted over three hours, took place in the border town connecting Nigeria and Niger Republic.

Attack Details

The terrorists, reportedly arriving in gun trucks, stormed the military base, targeting soldiers and civilians. Witnesses and security sources described the assault as intense, with buildings set ablaze and residents fleeing for safety. Some locals also claimed that the attackers delivered religious messages during the raid.

A security source disclosed that the soldiers fought valiantly to repel the attackers, but their resistance was eventually overwhelmed. Several other troops were injured in the onslaught, though exact figures remain unclear.

No Claim of Responsibility

The attack has not been claimed by any group, but it is suspected to be the work of Boko Haram or its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which are active in the region. ISWAP, known for its propaganda activities, has not issued any statement about the incident, while Boko Haram’s media presence has diminished significantly in recent years following the elimination of key operatives.

Potential Link to Lakurawa Militants

Mallam Fatori’s proximity to Niger Republic raises concerns about the involvement of the Lakurawa group, a faction linked to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahel (ISGS). Lakurawa militants, active along Nigeria’s northern borders, have ties to ISWAP and are known for cross-border attacks.

Both ISGS and ISWAP pledge allegiance to the Islamic State, with ISGS operating predominantly in Sahelian states and ISWAP concentrating on the Lake Chad Basin. These groups, alongside Boko Haram, frequently target both security forces and civilians.

Official Silence

The Nigerian military has yet to release an official statement on the attack. Efforts to reach Defence Headquarters spokesperson Onyenma Nwachukwu for comments were unsuccessful.

Ongoing Threats in the Region

This incident underscores the enduring threat posed by terrorist groups in northern Nigeria and along its borders. With Mallam Fatori’s strategic location, there is an urgent need for coordinated regional efforts to counter these militants and safeguard affected communities.

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