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The Digest:

Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents have ambushed Nigerian military personnel near Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, capturing 13 soldiers and killing seven others, including a commanding officer recently promoted to lieutenant colonel. The attack, reported on Monday, occurred along the Maiduguri-Damasak road and involved explosives and heavy gunfire. Several soldiers were injured, and an unknown number remain missing. The bodies of the slain troops were taken to the 7 Division Hospital. The Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement. The ambush resembles a previous incident in November 2025, when a brigadier general was captured and executed by insurgents.

Key Points:
  • The attack underscores the persistent and deadly threat posed by ISWAP in Nigeria’s North-East.
  • Capturing soldiers represents both a tactical blow and a psychological weapon for insurgent groups.
  • The military’s delayed public response may fuel speculation and affect troop morale.
  • Recurring ambushes highlight challenges in securing major supply and transport routes in the region.
  • The incident renews concerns about the effectiveness of current counterinsurgency strategies.

Urgent reassessment of operational security and intelligence gathering is needed to protect troops and stabilize the region.

Sources: Premium Times, Sahara Reporters, Conflict Researcher Reports