A Boko Haram attack on a Nigerian military base in Malam-Fatori, Borno State, has resulted in the deaths of 22 soldiers, including a commanding officer. The assault, which occurred on Friday, January 24, 2025, has been described as one of the deadliest in recent months, further highlighting the ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred at the 149 Taskforce Brigade, located in Malam-Fatori, a border town just two kilometers from Bosso in Niger. Intelligence sources reported that the insurgents arrived in multiple gun trucks, launching a coordinated assault that lasted several hours.
Key Facts:
- Buildings and Vehicles Destroyed: The attackers razed several structures and military operational vehicles at the base.
- Casualties: Among the 22 killed were Lieutenant Colonel Alari, the commanding officer of the battalion, two senior officers, and the base’s medical director.
- Injuries and Missing Personnel: Many soldiers sustained injuries, while others remain unaccounted for. Survivors fled to safety as the base was overrun.
According to a military source, the troops were returning from routine operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, a known militant stronghold, when they drove into an ambush, leading to the devastating attack.
ISWAP’s Role and Tactics
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter group that broke away from Boko Haram in 2016, is suspected to be behind the attack. ISWAP has gained dominance in the region by seizing strategic territories like the Timbuktu Triangle and the Sambisa Forest, a former game reserve turned into a militant base.
ISWAP’s Known Tactics:
- Ambushes: ISWAP frequently sets traps for military convoys, exploiting their knowledge of the terrain.
- Roadside Mines: The group plants explosive devices to target military vehicles, with deadly results.
- Suicide Bombings: Vehicles rigged with explosives are used to breach fortified areas.
In July 2024, seven Nigerian soldiers were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine in a village where ISWAP operates.
A Region in Crisis
The attack is a grim reminder of the ongoing 15-year insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast, which has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced nearly 2 million people. The violence has also spilled into neighboring countries, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the establishment of a multinational joint task force to combat the militants.
Despite military efforts, groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram continue to pose a significant threat, leveraging their control over remote regions to launch attacks.
Strategic Significance of Malam-Fatori
Malam-Fatori’s proximity to the Lake Chad Basin makes it a crucial location in the battle against insurgency. The area serves as a hideout for militant groups, allowing them to regroup and coordinate attacks across borders.
Government and Military Response
The Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement on the attack, but sources indicate that reinforcements have been deployed to secure the area. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts and highlights the need for better intelligence and strategic planning.
Pay Attention To: ISWAP Attack in Borno: Six Soldiers Killed in Military Base Raid
Local and international observers have called for:
- Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Improved coordination among security forces to detect and prevent attacks.
- Increased Funding: Greater resources for the military to upgrade equipment and train personnel.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with local populations to identify and report militant activities.
Editor’s Note
The attack on the Malam-Fatori military base underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria. As the conflict enters its 15th year, the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of insurgency and strengthen military capabilities has never been more urgent.
The families of the fallen soldiers, as well as the displaced civilians in the region, continue to bear the brunt of this protracted conflict, which shows no signs of abating.
