4 soldiers killed as Boko Haram launches fresh attack in Borno

A series of coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram fighters on military bases in Borno State has resulted in the deaths of at least four soldiers and left several others injured.

Security sources confirmed that the early Tuesday assaults struck military formations in Rann, Gajiram, and Dikwa. Though the Nigerian military managed to repel the insurgents in two of the three locations, the base in Rann was overrun.

“We lost four soldiers while four sustained gunshot wounds. They also set ablaze MRAP, a gun truck and a Russian-made T-72,” a security source reported.

Residents of Rann described the chaos that unfolded as terrorists stormed the military location around midnight, engaging troops in a prolonged gunfight.

“The military retreated. They looted weapons including gun trucks before leaving the base,” a local said. “We saw the corpses of four soldiers and other injured soldiers. I’m not sure of their number.”

Witnesses said the attackers pulled back only after a military jet arrived to provide aerial support.

Rann, located in the remote Kala-Balge Local Government Area near the Cameroonian border, has long been a hotspot in the fight against insurgents due to its strategic location and rugged terrain. Its poor infrastructure and history of conflict have hampered both humanitarian and military efforts.

In Gajiram, the insurgents encountered fierce resistance. A soldier revealed that the group suffered significant losses before retreating.

“The terrorists recorded heavy casualties and were forced to retreat during simultaneous attacks they coordinated in Rann, Gajiram and Dikwa,” he said. “The ISWAP attack on Gajiram is an indication that their target is to take over Monguno. They may be trying to isolate the town before launching a major attack.”

Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed the assaults and reiterated the military’s commitment to ending terrorism.

“Yesterday alone, there were attacks in Rann, Dikwa and Gajiram. All these attacks were defeated apart from Rann where they succeeded in penetrating to an extent, leading to the loss of 4 personnel,” he stated.

“However, let me reassure you that the overall resolve of the Nigerian military is that we will completely defeat this terrorism and restore peace to the region once and for all, in the shortest possible time.”

Capt. Kovangiya added that over 20 insurgents were neutralised in recent operations, with arms and ammunition recovered.

Multiple sources suggested that the attackers have increased their technological capabilities, including the use of drones.

“The terrorists are now having a field day because they are using sophisticated technology,” a security source revealed. “It is becoming much easier for the terrorists to attack with precision because they have drones.”

Another insider warned, “They should stop dismissing some of these excesses by the terrorists…They should deploy superior power because the threats are getting out of hand.”

The Defence Headquarters had earlier downplayed such drone threats, stating in December 2024 that the devices were non-military grade and largely symbolic.

(DAILY TRUST)