A Boko Haram attack on a military base in Damboa, Borno State, left many soldiers missing and increased the death toll. Insurgents used drones, destroyed infrastructure, and looted weapons. With over 12 bodies recovered so far, fears grow about abducted soldiers as the military struggles to account for its personnel.
A Boko Haram assault on a military base in Damboa, Borno State, has left devastating consequences, with many soldiers missing and the death toll climbing. The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Sabon Gari, where insurgents launched a coordinated strike.
Credible sources indicate that the terrorists, in large numbers, overwhelmed the base, ransacked its facilities, and carted away military equipment. Efforts by reinforcements from the 25 Task Force Brigade, supported by vigilantes, were hindered by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the attackers. Despite eventually reaching the site, the reinforcements found the insurgents had already fled, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake.
Reports suggest that over 12 bodies have been recovered so far, with many soldiers still unaccounted for. Some troops are feared captured by the insurgents, compounding the tragedy. Witnesses described the attack as well-planned, with the insurgents utilizing surveillance drones to monitor the base before striking.
Military officials have yet to release an official casualty count or statement on the incident. Analysts believe the insurgents include militants displaced by ongoing operations in the Lake Chad region, now regrouping in Borno State.
This attack underscores the persistent challenges faced by Nigerian security forces in combating Boko Haram and ISWAP, who continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated tactics to destabilize the region. Calls for enhanced counterterrorism strategies and regional cooperation are growing as communities in Borno bear the brunt of the decade-long insurgency.
