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Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents carried out a deadly pre-dawn raid on a military base in Sabon Gari, located in the Damboa district of Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. Reports indicate that six soldiers lost their lives during the attack, which occurred early Sunday morning.
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Details of the ISWAP Raid
According to military sources, the ISWAP fighters arrived in trucks and on motorcycles, launching a coordinated assault on the military base. The insurgents reportedly set the base and several army vehicles on fire. A military officer confirmed:
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“We lost six soldiers in the ISWAP terrorists’ attack on the base after an intense gun battle.”
The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, where ISWAP and other jihadist groups have maintained a stronghold for years.
Airstrikes Target Fleeing ISWAP Fighters
In response to the attack, fighter jets were deployed from Maiduguri, the regional capital located approximately 100 kilometers away. The airstrikes targeted the retreating insurgents, resulting in multiple casualties among the militants and the destruction of their vehicles and weaponry.
One military officer noted:
“Air strikes against the fleeing terrorists resulted in multiple militant fatalities, the destruction of operational vehicles, and their weaponry.”
However, no official figures on ISWAP casualties have been disclosed.
Official Confirmation
Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed the incident but refrained from disclosing the exact number of casualties. He stated:
“It is confirmed that troops suffered setbacks in operations in the area. An inquiry has been set up to confirm the details of what transpired, after which I will provide the details in due course.”
The Ongoing Insurgency in Northern Nigeria
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents attributed to jihadist groups in northern Nigeria. Since 2009, the region has faced relentless attacks from Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, leading to a devastating humanitarian crisis.
- Death toll: Over 40,000 lives have been lost.
- Displacement: Around two million people have been forced to flee their homes.
In November, five Nigerian troops were killed, and 10 others were injured in an ISWAP raid on a military base in Kareto village near the Niger border.
Summary
The ISWAP attack on Sabon Gari’s military base underscores the ongoing security challenges in Borno State and the broader northeastern region of Nigeria. While airstrikes have dealt significant blows to the insurgents, the incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and robust measures to address the persistent threat posed by jihadist groups.
By shedding light on these challenges, this article emphasizes the urgency of restoring peace and stability to the affected areas.
Table 1: Overview of Jihadist Impact in Northern Nigeria
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conflict Start Year | 2009 |
| Death Toll | Over 40,000 |
| Displacement | Approximately 2 million people |
Table 2: Recent ISWAP Attacks in Borno State
| Date | Location | Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | Sabon Gari, Damboa | 6 soldiers |
| November 2024 | Kareto, Niger Border | 5 soldiers |
