At Least 20 Nigerian Soldiers Killed in Suspected ISWAP Attack on Army Base
A Devastating Assault in Borno State Highlights Ongoing Security Challenges
At least 20 Nigerian soldiers were killed in a brutal attack on a remote army base in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State, allegedly carried out by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The attack, which lasted for over three hours, targeted the Nigerian Army’s 149th Battalion in Malam-Fatori, a town near the border with Niger.
Fierce Gun Battle Leaves High Casualties
According to security sources and survivors, the heavily armed ISWAP fighters stormed the military base on Friday, arriving in gun trucks and launching a relentless assault. A surviving soldier described the scene, saying, “They rained bullets everywhere.”
The troops were reportedly taken by surprise, despite the region being a known hotspot for insurgent activity. “We tried so much to repel the attacks, and after more than three hours of gun duel, they overpowered us,” the soldier told Reuters. Among the fallen was the battalion’s commanding officer, a lieutenant colonel. Several other soldiers sustained injuries during the attack.
A Region Plagued by Insurgency
Borno State remains the epicenter of Nigeria’s long-running battle against extremist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP. Both groups have carried out numerous attacks against military forces and civilians, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and mass displacement over the years.
Malam-Fatori, due to its strategic location near the Niger border, has been a frequent target for insurgents looking to expand their influence and disrupt military operations.
Nigerian Military Under Pressure
The latest attack raises fresh concerns about Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts in the northeast. Despite years of military operations, extremist groups continue to launch deadly ambushes and attacks on military installations. The Nigerian government has pledged to intensify security operations in the region, but the persistence of these assaults underscores the challenges of maintaining stability.
A Growing Security Crisis
This attack is the latest in a series of deadly incidents highlighting the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria. As the military grapples with insurgent threats, pressure mounts on authorities to implement more effective counterterrorism strategies.
With ISWAP and Boko Haram still active in the region, the fight against extremism remains a major challenge for Nigeria’s armed forces and regional security partners.
Source : Swifteradio.com
