More than 40 Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed following coordinated attacks by militants linked to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in Borno State.
The assaults targeted multiple military bases in Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte between about 10 p.m. on Thursday and 3 a.m. on Friday. According to military sources, the insurgents stormed the facilities in large groups and opened fire, leading to heavy casualties among the troops.
Among those confirmed dead is Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, the commanding officer of the 222 Battalion, who was reportedly killed alongside several soldiers during the attack in Konduga.
Security sources said that over 40 bodies of soldiers have so far been recovered, while the fate of several others remains uncertain.
“We have recovered more than 40 bodies, but some of our men are still unaccounted for. We cannot yet confirm whether they are alive or dead,” a military source said.
In response to the incident, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reportedly traveled to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to receive briefings from commanders overseeing the counter-insurgency operation in the region.
During the attacks, the insurgents were said to have destroyed several military assets, including armored tanks and vehicles, and reportedly carted away an unspecified quantity of ammunition. Some of the bases were said to have been overrun for hours.
However, security sources also claimed that several Boko Haram fighters, including some of their commanders, were killed during the clashes with Nigerian troops.
The targeted locations are strategic points in the North-East. Konduga lies along the route to Bama near Maiduguri, while Mainok and Jakana are located on the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway. Marte town is situated beyond Dikwa Local Government Area near the border with Chad.
The latest attacks highlight the continued security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and its splinter group ISWAP have waged a prolonged insurgency that has left thousands dead and displaced millions.
The incident occurred less than 24 hours after insurgents reportedly attacked Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, killing several civilians and abducting women after first striking a military post in the area.
In recent months, military formations in Borno have faced repeated attacks from insurgents. Earlier incidents include an assault on a forward operating base at Banki junction along the Bama–Gwoza road, where an army major and several soldiers were killed. Another attack in Jakana also led to casualties and the destruction of military equipment.
Security officials say investigations and operations are ongoing following the latest coordinated assaults.
