By Sabiu Abdullahi
Several Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed after fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a military base in Borno State, according to military sources.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, the assault took place on Thursday at a military formation in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area. Sources said that the insurgents stormed the base and opened sporadic fire, which led to heavy casualties among soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
An exact number of those killed has yet to be confirmed. One of the sources said, “There was an attack, many soldiers were killed, but I don’t have the correct figure yet.”
The source added that the attackers set armoured tanks and other military vehicles on fire and escaped with a large quantity of ammunition. ISWAP later claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, which was accompanied by a video showing its members firing towards the military facility.
The incident occurred only days after another deadly attack in the state. Seven military personnel, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, were killed in an ambush by the terrorists earlier in the week.
A report earlier indicated that Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed was leading a convoy of soldiers from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State when the troops came under attack on Monday, January 26, 2026. Military sources said the insurgents deployed explosives and heavy gunfire during the ambush.
Apart from those killed, several soldiers sustained serious injuries, while the whereabouts of some personnel remain unknown.
Since the death of former Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has strengthened its presence around the Lake Chad region. The group has also grown in number following the defection of hundreds of fighters who were previously loyal to Shekau.
