ISWAP Strikes Military Base in Borno, Casualties Feared

An undisclosed number of Nigerian troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have been slain following a violent assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) jihadists on a military facility in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to military sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, the attack happened on Thursday after terrorists overran the military formation, opening fire and killing a large number of security guards and allied local troops.

A source informed SaharaReporters on Saturday, “There was an attack, many soldiers were killed, but I don’t have the correct figure yet.”

The source said that during the raid, the assailants stole an unknown amount of ammunition and set fire to armored tanks and other military vehicles.

The extremist group has subsequently claimed credit for the operation, publishing a statement accompanied by a video showing fighters firing towards the military station.

The most recent assault comes after a fatal ambush earlier in the week that killed seven military members, including Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed, who had just received a promotion. On Monday, January 26, 2026, their convoy was targeted while he was bringing troops from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area.

According to military officials, the attackers used explosives and a lot of gunfire during the ambush. An unknown number of soldiers are still missing, despite the fact that some dead have been found. Several soldiers are said to have suffered severe injuries.

Since Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau’s death, ISWAP has been increasing its presence in the Lake Chad region, according to security analysts. The gang has reportedly boosted its ranks following the defection of hundreds of militants previously loyal to Shekau.

Militant groups continue to launch high-impact strikes in the Northeast, frequently causing significant casualties that officials are accused of downplaying, despite the Nigerian Army’s repeated claims that the insurgency has been largely contained.

Over 100,000 people have died and millions have been displaced from their homes as a result of the battle, which has lasted for more than ten years, especially in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.