Suspected terrorists belonging to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province, have reportedly attacked a Nigerian military formation in Borno State, killing an Army Major and several soldiers.
Military sources disclosed that the insurgents launched the early morning assault on Sunday at a Forward Operations Base located at Banki Junction along the Bama–Gwoza Road.
According to security sources, the attackers stormed the facility in multiple groups at about 4:00 a.m., opening heavy gunfire on troops stationed at the base.
The attack reportedly resulted in significant casualties, including a senior officer identified as Major U.I. Mairiga, while an unspecified number of soldiers were also killed during the confrontation.
Sources further revealed that some troops were forced to retreat into nearby bush paths following the intense exchange of gunfire.
“The terrorists attacked the Forward Operations Base at Banki Junction in the early hours, leading to the death of an Army Major and several personnel,” a military source said, adding that the remains of the deceased soldiers were being moved to the 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri.
The latest assault comes amid renewed insurgent attacks across parts of Borno State despite ongoing counter-terrorism operations by Nigerian forces.
In recent weeks, terrorists carried out a similar attack on a military base in Jakana, Kaga Local Government Area, where armoured vehicles were destroyed and ammunition reportedly carted away.
Security sources also recalled an earlier ambush in which seven military personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel, were killed while travelling from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area.
Since the death of former Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has strengthened its operational presence around the Lake Chad region, absorbing defectors from rival insurgent factions and expanding territorial influence.
Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding Sunday’s attack as of the time of filing this report.
