Gunmen from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram, reportedly attacked a military base in Borno State on Sunday, killing several Nigerian soldiers, including a Major, and causing others to flee into nearby bushes.
Sources said the assault targeted the Forward Base operations at Banki junction along the Bama–Gwaza Road. The attackers reportedly struck in multiple groups, making it difficult to determine their exact numbers. Casualties were confirmed to include a Major identified as U.I. Mairiga, with bodies being transferred to the 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri.
This attack follows previous assaults on military facilities in Borno State. In February, insurgents targeted an Army outpost in Jakana, Kaga Local Government Area, burning armoured vehicles and seizing ammunition. Earlier, seven military personnel, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, were killed in an ambush along the Maiduguri–Damasak route in Mobbar Local Government Area.
Military sources reported that the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire, leaving several soldiers injured and some still unaccounted for. Since the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has strengthened its presence around Lake Chad, with many former Boko Haram fighters joining its ranks.
