Commanding Officer Killed as ISWAP Fighters Attack Military Base in Borno

A commanding officer of the Nigerian Army has been killed following an attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on a military base in Kukawa, Borno state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the attack caused casualties on both sides and prompted “troops to engage in a prolonged firefight”.

Sources told Makama that blood stains were discovered outside the camp, indicating possible insurgent casualties during the clash.

Items recovered from the insurgents’ positions within the camp include “bandoliers of PKT rounds, one AK-47 rifle, one BHT machine gun, two mortar bombs, and four hand grenades”.

The report also noted that troops intercepted an injured Boko Haram fighter in the community while he was being brought to the camp. The suspect tried to flee, triggering additional gunfire.

Sources said the situation remains under control, with troops continuing to secure the area and conduct follow-up operations to track remaining insurgents.

The latest attack comes about a week after suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters attempted to attack military positions in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA of Borno state.

The Nigerian Air Force said over 50 suspected terrorists were killed in air strikes in the state.